Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1974 (SND Vol. IX).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
THRAB, v., n. Sc. form and usage of Eng. throb (s.Sc. 1835 Wilson's Tales of the Borders I. 402; Fif. 1864 St Andrews Gazette (19 Nov.); Edb. 1876 J. Smith Archie and Bess 37; e.Lth. 1886 J. Reid Facts and Fancies 100; Ayr. 1972). See P.L.D. § 54. Hence thrabbing, ppl.adj., throbbing (Edb. 1866 J. Smith Poems 32, Bwk. 1876 Minstrelsy Merse (Crockett 1893) 224); vbl.n., see quot. The symptoms suggest croup.Sc. 1758 Scots Mag. (Sept.) 468:
If you please to publish in your Magazine a cure for a disease in young children, called by our honest housewives Throbbing, you will very much oblige some of your constant readers. . . . When the throbbing attacks them they are much distressed in their breathing, and make a noise through their throat, as if they were strangling.
